Review: The Immortals & Giveaway

Summary: Manhattan has many secrets. Some are older than the city itself.

The city sleeps. Selene DiSilva walks her dog along the banks of the Hudson. She is alone -- just the way she likes it. She doesn't believe in friends, and she doesn't speak to her family. Most of them are simply too dangerous.

In the predawn calm, Selene finds the body of a young woman washed ashore, gruesomely mutilated and wreathed in laurel. Her ancient rage returns. And so does the memory of a promise she made long ago -- when her name was Artemis. -- Orbit

Years ago, I read the first book in the Percy Jackson series with my daughter for our mother/daughter book club, THE LIGHTNING THIEF. I really enjoyed it! My daughter has read the entire series a number of times, and now she's turned my eleven year old son into a fan.

It's probably genetic that my kids are so interested in Greek and Roman mythology. I began my interest back in high school when I took Latin, and it continued when I took a Mythology class as an elective at Penn State. Maybe that's why I was so drawn to the new book THE IMMORTALS by Jordanna Max Brodsky. This is the first book in the Olympus Bound series, and I really think Ms. Brodsky is onto something!

THE IMMORTALS tells the story of Selene DiSilva, a bit of a loner who has devoted her life to fighting crimes against women. She also happens to be the Greek goddess Artemis! When she discovers the body of a Colombian professor who has been brutally mutilated, she feels obligated to investigate... especially when aspects of the murder appear to have some ties to ancient Greece.

Usually, Selene works by herself; however, she gets some help this time from Theo Schultz, a classics professor who used to have a relationship with the woman found murdered. Despite his attempts to convince the police that he's not involved, they aren't so certain. His knowledge of ancient Greece and its myths allow him to deduce that this murder (and a few more!) are an attempt to relive the Eleusinian Mysteries.

Based on the clues left behind at the murders, Selene believes that another Greek god might be responsible for these horrific crimes -- one who might be trying to regain his immortality by killing people. As Selene and Theo work together to find the murderer before he (or she) strikes again, Selene also learns a great deal about herself, her family, and her powers!

I was pleasantly surprised by just how well done THE IMMORTALS was. The writing was very good, but it was the story and the character development that really impressed me. I was actually blown away by the author's ability to bring life ancient Greek figures in today's Manhattan; and this might sound strange coming from me, but I could actually "buy" them.

And truth be told, the mystery in THE IMMORTALS was outstanding. There were lots of twists and turns, and I honestly wasn't sure who was responsible. In addition, there were also some great suspense scenes that were also very well written. Overall, this novel was definitely a page turner... and I look forward to the next book in this series.

Finally, I pretty sure that I can't express just how excellent Ms. Brodsky's knowledge of ancient Greece is and how well she demonstrated it in this novel. I loved how she incorporated so many of the Greek gods in present day society, keeping their original traits while also making them relevant in today's world. In addition, I appreciated how she used the ancient myths throughout the novel. I liked it when I recognized the references, but I also found these new stories to be fascinating. Ms. Brodsky also included some terrific resource material in the back of the book for those readers who want to know more about Greek myths.

THE IMMORTALS is a great book that grownup fans of Rick Riordan will love. Highly recommended!

Learn more about the book at OlympusBound.com

Thanks to Orbit Books for providing a review copy of this novel.

Giveaway alert: Thanks to the fine folks at Orbit Books, I have a great giveaway! One winner will win THE GODDESS prize pack which includes a copy of THE IMMORTALS and a branded "GODDESS" sweatshirt. Check out the picture below to see just how adorable this sweatshirt is!

To enter, just fill out the form below before March 3 at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!